How to Ensure Your Loft is Correctly Insulated

Loft insulation works in two ways. It helps keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in winter. In the winter, it keeps the house warmer by preventing the heat from escaping. Meanwhile, it prevents the heat from getting inside the house in the summer to keep it cooler.

Proper insulation also helps make a house energy efficient. With this, there is less energy wasted. This simply means lower utility bills. However, there are many instances when homeowners are unaware of the condition of their loft’s insulation. They usually find out that there are problems when their utility bills soar. This can be avoided if homeowners take time checking areas with insulation issues. Homeowners should bear in mind that loft insulation problems should never be ignored.

Check

It always pays to go around checking every corner of the loft. Make sure to double check areas prone to leaks. There should be no gaps between the floor, rafters and wall joists. This ensures that heat does not escape or enter. Additionally, check loose fittings. It is equally important to check the roof. Roof troubles can affect the loft insulation.

Measure

Gaps between the joists should be measured. This will be used as a basis in buying the material needed to lay on top of the existing insulation.

Repair the Leaks

Leaks and breaks in the insulation should be repaired as soon as they have been found. Otherwise, homeowners will pay for the energy lost. Problems with wiring and cables should also be repaired immediately.

Installing Additional or New Insulation

Homeowners may have to replace insulation that has been significantly damaged. Installing loft insulation requires accurate measurements. This is important to ensure that everything fits properly. Additionally, owners should check their lofts and consider the condition of pipes, roofs, water tanks, ventilation and potential hazards.

Loft insulation should be at least 270 mm thick. Homeowners should install 100 mm insulation sheets between the joists initially. Another 170 mm sheet should be installed on top of this. Installing additional insulation ensures that there is no heat loss.

Furthermore, the insulation should be cut around pipes, cables and extractor fans. It is important that the cutting is done properly.

High quality loft insulation may be a bit costly when installed. However, the savings that one can get on their utility bills can pay for this renovation over time. Heat often escapes and enters the house through the loft. Therefore, it should be given more attention. This is especially true when the summer or winter season is approaching.